Over the years we have shot at a huge number of locations, in over 30 countries all around the world. Although we are based in the UK, perks of the job dictate that we get to travel and see a bit of the world when on-site at different buildings around the world. When we are not lapping up the sun in southern France and shooting at an old monastery, we are usually here in the rainy UK shooting old grey buildings. It is no secret that our climate takes its toll on our buildings here in the UK, and a perfect example of this is the instances of damp within UK properties. We were asked to follow a series of damp proofing installations around the UK for a company media pack, and it was a real eye-opener as to how many properties suffer from this problem.
What Is Damp Proofing?
Damp proofing is a method of damp proofing in construction for properties that suffer from damp problems. This is an important method that is used for preventing water damage in the long run and also protecting the structural members of the building from constant moisture. Damp proofing is an effective and economical method that ensures that water damage due to condensation does not damage the structure. The damp proofing method can be used both for commercial and residential purposes.
Damp proofing in construction refers to a composite material that prevents moisture escape from the interior of the building by damp proofing the external walls of the building. Condensation, humidity, molds, mildew and water damage are some of the common problems faced by most homes. Damp proofing helps prevent such issues from occurring, because of its special membrane that seals off the internal space from external moisture. The membrane keeps out the moisture but also has a coating that prevents moisture absorption on the walls. Damp proofing prevents and eradicates most of the issues that dampness brings into a structure, making it the first choice for most builders and contractors.
Damp Proofing Methods
Most damp proofing in the home or office uses polyurethane treated with a resin-like finish. The polyurethane is applied on the damp walls using an adhesive. The dried compound is then scraped from the walls using a scraper to remove the excess compound. A similar method is followed for applying the drywall powder coating.
For preventing and eliminating dampness problems, even if there is no high water tables in your area, you should still damp proof your house. This is because even if the soil moisture is not extremely high in your area, it can still result in significant damage to the structure of your building and the foundation of your home. Some other effects include blistering, peeling, warping, buckling and sagging of the wood framing and wall panels of the house. Additionally, severe seepage can result from the presence of high water tables in your area, especially if the soil moisture is accompanied by very low relative humidity.
The Benefits
In addition to protecting your interior surfaces from dampness, there are other benefits associated with damp proofing your walls and floors as well. First of all, the finished product will add significantly to the durability and lifespan of your wood or metal structures. These finishes can extend the life of your wood flooring, reduce the amount of maintenance required for your carpeting, and prevent the formation of mold and mildew on your wooden walls. Additionally, these finishes can provide the added benefit of sealing and protecting your walls from the formation of fungi, mold and mildew.
Another major benefit of damp proofing your walls is that this technique can prevent the formation of molds and mildew on your interior walls. The moisture that can form on your walls can increase the growth of molds and mildew. As a result, you may experience an increase in the number of allergy-related skin conditions such as asthma, eczema and skin rashes. A healthy home can also help you reduce your overall health expenditures through prevention of disease and infections caused by pathogens.